We are beginning a new twice-weekly feature today at westphillylocal.com called Adopt-a-Pet, which will feature a cat on Mondays and a dog on Wednesdays that are looking for good homes. We will put you in touch with the agency that is caring for the adoptable pet and the rest is up to you.

Today’s dog is Ruby (right), a female pit mix that was brought to the PSPCA’s Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT) after she was found in an abandoned building. A reader, Lulu Todorov, is Ruby’s “pen pal” and her job is to work with Ruby on manners and to help find Ruby a home.

Lulu writes:

Ruby, an apartment-sized sweet Pit girl, is looking for her happy ending! Ruby – much like her name implies – is gem! She is the right size, the right temperament and plain adorable.

Ruby was brought to ACCT after she was found in an abandoned house. This little girl (6 – 12 months) is energetic but once she got out the wiggles, she is snuggly and all about love. Playing with other dogs, playing with toys or goofing around are activities she enjoys. Despite her young age she isn’t jumpy or mouthy but very gentle when meeting new people. Ruby is absolutely great in the car (believe me, it’s important), has no problem with body  handling of any nature (you can grab her a little more firm, check her  teeth or ears) and is an incredibly fast learner. She knows “sit” and “down.” Next up we’re working on “stay”, “leave it” and staying in the crate.

E-mail Lulu at lulu_todorov [at] hotmail.com if you have questions about her or if you’d like to meet Ruby in person.

Tonight is the Fourth Annual Art Auction to benefit City Kitties, the fantastic West Philly-based feline rescue organization. City Kitties is as busy as ever thanks in part to their amazing working helping to rescue cats from the Windermere Apartments fire earlier this year, which raised the organization’s profile across the city.

Dozens of artists from across the country have donated more than 200 original pieces for the auction, which runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Studio 34 Yoga | Healing | Arts (4522 Baltimore Ave.) The suggested admission donation is $5. The party that goes along with the auction will include complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment.

The auction will feature original artwork, including photographs, paintings, drawings, sculpture, pottery, metalwork, jewelry, and more. The auction is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

Even if you’re not a cat person there are at least two reasons you should come to this event. First, the art. Second, West Philly would likely be overrun with stray and feral cats if these folks were not out there working the streets. City Kitties is no kill and volunteer-run.

We got an update from Nugget’s owner, Melissa Santangelo:

Thanks to everyone who kept an eye out for Nugget. I just found out that he was hit by a car and died on Friday morning. RIP “Nuggs”.

“Nugget,” a 5-year old male orange tabby cat, was last seen on his porch on the 4600 block of Springfield on Friday, May 4.

The cat is neutered, with yellow eyes and a striped tail. He’s not wearing a collar. He is very friendly at first, but can get a little aggressive when picked up by strangers.

If you’ve seen “Nugget” please call Melissa Santangelo at 215-380-8262 or email: santangelo878(at)hotmail.com

Update: We’re happy to report that this guy has found his owner!

This puppy was found today in Cedar Park. He was wearing a white flea collar and a yellow (with rhinestones) collar. Please reply to this Craigslist posting if you think you might know where this dog belongs:

comm-zfgyg-2369207980@craigslist.org

Two dogs were found and picked up by police this morning at 9 a.m. at 42nd & Locust.

Both are large dogs. One is a huge boxer, white with some dark spots, friendly and puppyish, wearing a red collar. The other is reddish-brown, possibly a pit-bulldog mix, shorter and chubbier, with no collar.

It’s possible that they were taken to Animal Control (ACCT/PSPCA) in Port Richmond (NE Phila). Please pass this along to your block groups, dog park groups, and neighbors ASAP. The number for ACCT is 267-385-3800.

Update: Batgirl has been found.

This came from our neighbor Cella:

My cat, Batgirl, went missing sometime this morning at 47th and Springfield. She is a small, solid gray cat with yellow eyes and very talkative and friendly.

Please call (717) 254-9337 if anyone finds her!